Yoga, snowmen, and Legos

The past several days seem to have been our transition into the 'honeymoon' phase of our adoption.  Things are seemingly going incredible compared to the first couple of weeks.  Boundaries are set and are being complied with more often than not.  Respect is being shown, and Jesse's true personality tends to poke out more and more.

Jesse taught us yoga the other day.  We thought he was just being silly, but he was serious and was teaching how to sit (and was insistent that we stop laughing and be quiet!), how to position our arms and legs and hands, how to breathe, and even closed the shades and turned off the lights so it was dark. We may need to continue to let him lead yoga, as it does tend to be a moment in the day when he is calm.

As the temperatures warmed up this weekend, Jesse investigated the left over snow.  He made snowmen, had a snowball fight, and then subsequently destroyed his snowman, which seemed to be more enjoyable than building it.  We may have to institute a class in our homeschool curriculum based on the show "Destroy, Build, Destroy".

This morning, he was quiet, almost too quiet, for about 20 minutes.  We all panicked and went on a search for him.  We found him in his room with a bucket of Legos, creating some impressive planes, cars, and space ships.  As obsessed as my 3 older boys are with Legos, we knew that Jesse would undoubtedly be drawn to Legos.  It didn't take long for him to start creating.

Sunday was the absolutely sweetest thing I have seen since we have had Jesse.  As we were all getting ready for church, Jesse insisted that he get dressed and come with.  We had not planned to introduce him to church for awhile, but he and us do like to get out of the house, so we thought we'd give it a try. Ethan was the BEST big brother ever.  He took Jesse by the hand and sat next to him in Sunday School.  He told Jesse that it was snack time and then how to clean up his snack cup and napkin.  Ethan led Jesse by the hand to worship time and they sang, danced, and did the hand motions.  Jesse watched Ethan for all the signals and Ethan was right there to make Jesse feel welcome and comfortable.  Jesse actually came home humming some of the music.  Ethan also taught Jesse how to sit during story time and what to do for craft.  I would love to get Ethan the Best Big Brother in the World Award!

This morning he had 'face time' with Nana and Jaja and actually communicated with them quite a bit. He was sharing his usual sense of humor and silliness that he demonstrates throughout our typical day.  Plus he was showing off his English vocabulary.

Bed time is tough for Jesse. He tries to be so strong, but we can tell that he is fighting the grief deep down in his heart.  We pray so much for his pain to not be forgotten, but relieved.  I want him to always remember his foster family and friends, but we pray that one day the sense of loss will be less than the love he has in his forever home.